Blossoming gay scene in Gloucester as attitudes change

“Can't believe Gloucester is any worse than Cheltenham in terms of prejudice, hatred and intolerance. Indeed, I can't believe ANYwhere is worse than Cheltenham in this respect. Perish the thought if it is.
I have suffered the ignominy of being turned away from a bar (which is no longer trading - Nah nah na-nah nah) because of my persuasions. And have been told recently, by a member of the management, that I would not be welcome at another Cheltenham nightclub if I turned up as a showgirl. Yes, I know about the Equality Act 2010 and denial of goods or services to people from certain groups, but would I want to go to a nightclub where I had to use an Act of Parliament to be allowed in? Sure as hell I wouldn't.
CTFCScout, I'm quite certain you wouldn't be turned away if you turned up at a gay venue, in the way that I've been turned away from straight venues, though you might, rightly, be asked to leave if you started causing trouble.
Freedom of speech. Apparently (according to Ed Milliband, no less) it's a crime to swear at a police officer but not at another member of the public - and they're supposed to be our servants?? And I've been called far worse than a pleb (I may well be a plebeian, as may be a police officer, depending on ones point of view, but that's beside the point). The Serb football supporters, who have not had the benefit of political correctness. How are they to know racial taunts are bad? We can't just judge everyone by our own sheltered standards.
Well, I'll stick with Cheltenham's only gay-inclusive club for now. I'm not gay, but I am vulnerable to attack. Might try the Westgate, depending on which nights it's open (the article misses out this important detail - I wouldn't want to go all the way to Gloucester and find it shut).
The hate crime group has no teeth. Neither does the report it helpline.
I've no doubt I'll earn lots of red arrows for this comment, but you know what?

I don't care.”

“Eyeopener, it was a tounge in cheek comment about equality.

I have no problems with the homosexual community at all, in fact (cliche time) I have worked with homosexual people in the past. Very quiet and charming people, not 'flag-wavers' or marchers and happy in their world.

The only 'gay' people I have issues with is those who say they are just to get attention or talk in an overtly-camp way. Now, that is not natural at all. The homosexual people I worked with did not speak in a camp way at all. I also know of one homosexual worker who gets paid £550 in his salary more than his heterosexual equivalent, and her boss has openly admitted it's 'because she's a lesbian and knows people.'

I've also been in The Westgate a few times - far more welcoming than The Union and Fountain Inn (beers could be cheaper though!) So I'll bin my ticket to Brussels and wish you the best!

Also - serious question: Would Straight Bars and Straight Parades be allowed in the UK.... bearing in mind what our Lords and Masters say in Brussels. Or would I face jail for wearing an 'I'm Straight, Get Over It' T-Shirt (in the summer though, too damn cold for t-shirts at the moment!)”

“@CTFCScout It wasn't easy from your comments to be sure what you wanted, but one statement did strike me as odd "Could I have a Straight Venue? If not, why not?" If there were no straight venues, all the venues would be gay and this article wouldn't be newsworthy.

It's interesting because according to the article apart from The Westgate there are no other exclusively gay venues in Gloucester. Also far from "straights being discriminated against "Around 40 per cent of our customers are straight, and it is just a good night out here."
There is no need to appeal to the EU Courts, just roll up at the door and they will welcome you in!

Should you decide you would prefer to drink elsewhere, no problem. All the other venues are straight. In fact for anyone wanting a "Straight Venue" I think you might be spoilt for choice!”

“@cortezcortez how odd that you should protest under the guise of "freedom of speech". There is "freedom of speech", but there isn't 'freedom to abuse'. This applies to many areas in life not just sexual orientation. Thats why we have laws relating to slander, libel, and hate crimes, official secrets etc

When you said "Its freedom of speech that has change there isn't any ." Were you asking for the freedom to express hatred for others? You might dislike gays, but others would have it in for ethnic minorities, women, the disabled..... really there is no limit.

I can't see with your attitude there is any real risk of being propositioned by gays, or anyone else for that matter. Most of us straight and gay have moved on into the twenty first century.”

“I respect all people, regardless. If I'm told to change my opinion, I simply reply 'so you want me to be homophobic?' Shuts the thought police right up ;)

Could I have a Straight Venue? If not, why not? Surely that would infringe on my rights as a straight human being, oh I think a call to the EU Courts is in order ;)”

“lol 'God'”

“Well my attitude hasn't changed (God made Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve ) Its freedom of speech that has change there isn't any .”